Nat’s Nibbles – Forget Normal
Forget “normal.” Recognize that when it comes to human diversity — including the diversity of minds — “normal” is a highly subjective, culturally-constructed fiction. Recognize that there is no “normal” mind, and that conformity to the local conception of “normal” is in no way synonymous with health, well-being, or personal fulfillment – and is, in fact, often in direct conflict with those things. A healthy, thriving autistic person looks very different from a healthy, thriving non-autistic person. In nurturing the development of autistic individuals,...
Read MoreNeurotypical
It’s the last day of Autism Awareness Month, and I’ve been ruminating for at least thirty days about what I should write. At this point, so much has been written already. I feel like what I can most contribute is my own experience in helping my son learn to manage his differences in a world that privileges a neurotypical perspective. Some days I’m relieved to have a diagnosis to explain the challenges my son faces, but some days I’m also angry that my son is labelled for things that don’t seem that different to me. I remember the first time I heard the...
Read MoreBrand recognition
This past weekend we went to a party to celebrate the First Communion of my niece. It was a big, fun party with family and lots of family friends, and it was especially fun for me and my partner because we got to play pass-the-baby with our littlest one (Wynn), which gave us one toddler (Auden) to manage. There is nothing like adult conversation with great people to lift the spirits! Auden and I were the first ones to get a tour around the firehouse – lots of big shiny trucks! – and when we came back to the hall, Auden was thirsty. We pulled a Capri Sun from the coolers and...
Read MoreWe’ve moved!
Hello family & friends, As it turns out, I have come to enjoy blogging – so much so that I decided to start a professional blog, too! I am hoping that it will help me get back on track with my anthropology writing. I thought it was best to keep this domain for my work stuff, and move the family news to a new location. So if you want to see the latest on Auden (including him walking for the first time!), check out the new family blog. Drop me an email if you need the address. You’re welcome to stay tuned here, too, though you may find the ravings of a corporate...
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